Apparatuses and methods for positioning drywall building panels and other building materials

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods for positioning drywall, other building panels and other building materials are described. The tool includes a mounting assembly configured to be detachably fastened to a work surface of a supporting framework upon which the building panel is being secured. The tools have engagement heads which engage the lower edge of the building panel and position it for securement to the framework. An adjustment assembly operator extends or retracts the engagement heads. The adjustment assembly operator having an adjustment control which is in some versions is turned by a wrench stored upon the tool during times of non-use. The tools are generally used in pairs when holding and positioning a panel thereon to allow single man installation. The tools are detached from the framework after the panel has been securely mounted on the framework.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for positioningdrywall and other building materials, and more specifically to portabletools and methods which enable a single user to easily position, fastenand install a panel of drywall or other suitable material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When building a structure there is often a need to precisely positionbuilding materials before such materials are secured to the structure.For example, drywall and other types of sheets or panels are commonlyapplied to wall framing. Such panels are typically provided in the formof planar sheets. These panels are then permanently secured to theframing with screws, nails and/or adhesives. However, before a panel issecured to the framing, the panel must first be properly positioned. Insome situations it is desirable to fit the sheet tightly or closely tothe ceiling panels and not leave a gap. However, holding a heavy paneltightly against the ceiling and then securing the panel with fastenersis almost impossible for one man to perform solo.

The process of positioning such panels often is awkward and provesdifficult for installers, due to the size and weight of the panels.Twelve foot by four foot sheets of drywall or rock lath are heavy.Therefore, the task of positioning a panel will frequently require atleast two persons. In addition, after the panel has been positioned, itis often necessary that at least one person hold the panel in positionwhile another person secures the panel to the framing. This requires theholder to maintain positioning while another workman is nailing orscrewing the sheet.

The difficulties experienced by installers are particularly acute whenthe panel is to be positioned in a high location. In these situations itis more likely that the task of positioning the panel will require atleast two persons, and that each of these installers may havedifficulties in positioning and then holding and fastening a panel toinstall it on the supporting frame, substrate, or other support to whichthe building material piece is being connected.

There has long been a need for a portable, light weight tool which canenable a single installer to position and install panel and sheetbuilding materials, such as drywall, plywood, cement board and othersuch materials, without the need for additional assistance. There hasalso been a need for an apparatus or apparatus set which is easy to setup and take down as the building materials are positioned and installed.There has further been a need for a tool or tool set which canstraighten lumber for fastening to a frame or other substrate which iseasily used by a single person. These and other problems are addressedby aspects and various forms of the invention described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to oneversion of the invention illustrated by the accompanying drawings whichare briefly described below.

FIG. 1 is an environmental, elevational view showing apparatuses inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention being used by aninstaller to position a building material panel.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a preferred apparatus according tothe invention. The apparatus is shown with the adjustment assembly in apartially retracted state.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the apparatus of FIG. 2, with theadjustment assembly in a partially extended state.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing the apparatus of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the apparatus of FIG. 2. Theadjustment tool is not shown in cross-section.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the apparatus of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the apparatus of FIG. 2 mountedupon a substructure and engaging a deck board to straighten the deckboard for fastening to the underlying structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Invention in General

Before describing the present invention in detail, it should berecognized that the invention may not be limited in its construction anduse to the particular arrangement of components or to the details of theconstruction shown in the attached drawings. The present invention maybe capable of other embodiments and of being practiced in other ways. Itshould also be understood that the terminology employed herein ispresented for the purpose of description of the best mode, and is notnecessarily limiting of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

In addition, the abstract is an abbreviated explanation for use by thosewho are not familiar with the invention. Although it forms a part ofthis disclosure, the terminology used therein is for quickly determiningthe general nature of the present invention and may not be fullyrepresentative of the particulars of the invention and the combinationof features or operational aspects characteristic of the patent claims.As such, it should be understood that the abstract does not attempt andis not intended to limit the scope of the present invention for purposesof defining the exclusive rights granted.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, an apparatus is generally indicated by thenumeral 10. The apparatus 10 can be used for positioning a wide varietyof materials, such as panels 20 which can be made of various materialsin various configurations. By way of example, and not by way oflimitation, the material 20 which can be positioned by apparatuses 10includes such things as drywall panels which are to be secured to awall. Also such materials may be other types of sheet or panelmaterials, boards, or strips which are to be positioned on floors, decksor walls and in some applications on ceilings. For example, the buildingmaterial 20 being positioned in FIG. 1 is a drywall panel 22, while thebuilding material 20 being positioned in FIG. 7 is a board 24. Othermaterials include cement board, rock lath, plywood, tongue and groovematerials, or metal plates.

The Mount or Mounting Assembly

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, the apparatus or tool 10 includes a mount 30used to attach tool 10 to framing or other supporting structure. Thesupporting substrate is more typically upright, but the tool hasfeatures adapting to other orientations as explained more fully below.The mount includes a mounting assembly generally indicated by thenumeral 30 which forms the mount in the illustrated version. Mountingassembly 30 may best be appreciated in the exploded view provided inFIG. 6. The mounting assembly 30 is configured to be detachably orreleasably coupled to a supporting structure and against a work surface40 thereof. Work surface 40 can be studs 50 which are used to frame awall 60 (as shown in FIG. 1), or the work surface 40 can be provided bya supporting horizontal or angled structure.

Referring once again to FIG. 6, the mounting assembly 30 includes amounting member 90. The mounting assembly may have one or more contactmembers 90 which have a back or contact surface 100 which is configuredto be placed in apposition to the work surface 40 against which themounting and supporting substrate engage. The mounting member 90 alsohas a front surface 110. The mounting assembly 30 is configured so thatit can be releasably coupled to the work surface 40.

In many instances the tool will be mounted to joists or other supportingstructure if the boards 24 are to be installed with a finished surface.The tool head is configured to push.

FIG. 1 shows two tools forming a tool set which is connected to astructural frame. The structural frame is covered by the panels beinginstalled. FIG. 7 alternatively shows a tool installed upon a horizontalframework.

The mount also advantageously has one or more side projections orcontacts which are part of the mounting member 90. One or more of thesemounting side projections or contacts can be used to mount the tool,such as by installing fasteners in apertures 120 or by other suitablemeans. Several apertures 120 which extend through the mounting member 90are advantageously provided. The apertures can be formed in a mountingor base plate, such as in the two rows shown on opposing sides of theadjustment mechanism described below.

A user of tool 10 can insert a screw or other suitable fastener 130 intoone or more of the apertures 120 and into the supporting structurethrough the work surface 40. In most situations at least two screws orother temporary mounting fasteners must be used to prevent rotation ofthe mount relative to the structure. The mounting fasteners areremovable to mount or attach the mounting assembly 30 to the supportingstructure. The mounting screws or fasteners 130 can later be removedwhen the user is ready to detach, remove and reposition the apparatuses10. Therefore, the screws or fasteners 130 can be used to releasably ortemporarily couple or detachably fasten the mounting member 90 to thework surface 40.

It should be appreciated, that using a screw or other fastener 130 asdescribed above is but one example of how the mounting assembly 30 canbe configured to be releasbly coupled to the work surface 40. Thepresent invention contemplates that the mounting assembly 30 can beconfigured to be detachably connected to the work surface by a screw,although other forms of fastening may be useful and suitable. Thesedetachable mounting pieces or fixtures allow the mounting assembly 30 tobe releasably coupled to the work surface 40 for a temporary time duringinstallation of the building material.

In one typical application of the tool or a tool set, the mountingassemblies are attached to a nominal 2×4 inch piece of lumber. In suchapplication only the mount contact on one side is used. The oppositemount contact is spaced beyond the width of the 2×4 piece of lumber.Since the mount includes two contact extensions, a particular use of thetool may use one side, another use may use the opposing side. In someuses mounting fasteners may be used on both sides of each mount.

The mounting member 90 can also be mounted to a mounting surface in avariety of positions. For example, when the mounting member 90 iscoupled or otherwise mounted to a post or wide stud 50, the mountingmember 90 can be centered on the post 50 as shown in FIG. 1. The studsize and the tool may be scaled for various sizes of structured piecesto which they are attached. If it is helpful to the user, the mountingmember 90 can alternatively be mounted off-center, toward the left or tothe right edges of the stud 50 using one side or the other to receivemounting fasteners. Thus, the tool or tool sets are adaptable to manymounting configurations.

Adjustment Assembly Receiver

As best shown in FIG. 6, in one embodiment the mounting assembly 30 alsoincludes receiver plates that serve as guide plates which extendoutwardly from the front surface 100 of mounting member 90. As shown,there are two receiver sides in parallel relation. The two sides areadvantageously formed using four plates including a first large plate140, a first small plate 150, a second large plate 160, and a secondsmall plate 170. Preferably, the first large and small plates 140 and150 are positioned in parallel relation to the second large and smallplates 160 and 170. The pairs of large and small plates are in pairedopposition.

A rectangular segment 180 of the front surface 110 of mounting member 90separates the first large and small plates 140 and 150 from the secondlarge and small plates 160 and 170.

A first slot 190 separates the first large plate 140 from the firstsmall plate 150. A second slot 200 separates the second large plate 160from the second small plate 170. First and second slots 190 are used toreceive and locate an adjustment bearing or support piece which fixescertain portions of the adjustment mechanism. The support 710 shown isin the form of a bearing and support collar 710.

The first and second large plates 140 and 160 serve as both a receiverof adjustment portions of the tool. They also serve as guide plates tonon-rotatably guide post piece 480 as explained more fully below. Thepost piece adjustably slides in a line or suitable manner within thereceiver guide plates 140 and 160.

Cover and Cover Lock

A small groove 202 preferably extends along the outer surfaces of thefirst side plates 140 and 150. Similarly, a small groove 204 extendsalong the outer surface of the second large and small receiver sideplates 160 and 170. These are used to lock a cover 210 to the mounting.

As shown best in the exploded view of FIG. 6, a cover member 210 isconfigured to be releasably coupled to the mounting member 90. Covermember 210 is advantageously configured so that the cover member 210will snap into place on the mounting member 90. This can be accomplishedby providing small lips 212 on opposing inside surfaces of the covermember 210. The locking lips are received within grooves 202 and 204 ofthe mounting member 90, thereby allowing the cover member 210 to snapinto place on the mounting member 90. Other forms of cover locks orfasteners may also be suitable for keeping cover 210 on mount 30.

Cover Member

The cover member 210 includes a front cover 220, a first side cover 230,and a second side cover 240. The front of cover 220 has an outer surface242 and an inner surface 244 (FIG. 7). When the cover is locked to themounting member, then the adjustment mechanism receiver is confined atall four lateral sides. This restrains post 480 against rotation orpivotal action.

The outer front surface of the cover advantageously includes a wrenchgroove 250. Wrench groove 250 is for receiving rivets on the wrench 580and help to hold the wrench centered to the cover 210. The front 220 ofcover 210 is preferably provided and configured to accommodate anadjustment wrench as described below and illustrated. An aperture may beprovided near one end of the front cover so that a clip 270 can beattached to the cover by a screw 280 or other suitable fastener. Clip270 allows the tool 10 to be easily transported on a user's belt 282(FIG. 1) and serves to help retain wrench 580 when not being used and isstored as shown in FIG. 2.

Wrench groove 250 helps to align the clip 270, helps hold the clip 270in position, and prevents the clip 270 from turning. The clip may alsoadditionally or alternatively be secured against rotation by an insideclip tail 271 which extends into the lower parts of the enclosedreceiver and bears against walls 230 and 240 of the cover if torque isapplied to the clip relative to the cover.

The mounting assembly 30 is preferably constructed of aluminum or otherdurable, lightweight material. Magnesium alloys, tungsten or tungstenalloys, or fiber and resin composites may also be suitable, as may manyother materials now known or hereafter developed.

The Adjustable Engagement Head Member

The apparatus or tool 10 also includes an engagement member 300. Theengagement member 300 is preferably configured as a headpiece whichpivots or otherwise adjusts angularly. The head 300 also engages thebuilding material 20. A number of features are provided to improveengagement and prevent damage to the material being positioned andinstalled as is illustrated and described herein.

The engagement head member includes a front plate 310 having an innersurface 320 and an outer surface 330. A pivot feature, such as in theform of pivot aperture 340, extends through the front plate 310. A topplate 350 extends perpendicularly from the inner surface 320 of thefront plate 310. The top plate 350 includes an inner surface 360 and anouter surface 370. As shown, the top plate 350 does not extend from theedge of the front plate 310, but is instead positioned so that a top lipportion 380 of the front plate 310 extends beyond the point ofattachment 385. This lip 380 helps prevent building materials 20 fromslipping from the outer surface 370 of top plate 350 when the apparatus10 is in use. Top plate 350 may in some versions be used to push upon abuilding material piece 20 by adjusting the head adjustment mechanism.

A rear plate 390 extends perpendicularly from the inner surface 360 ofthe top plate 350. As shown, the rear plate 390 does not extend from theedge of the top plate 350, but is instead positioned so that a lipportion 400 of the top plate 350 extends beyond the point of attachment410 but is removed from contact surface 100 to give clearance from awall or insulation barrier. Refer now to FIGS. 5 and 7, which show thatthis form of engagement head 300 is recessed relative to the mountingmember 90 back surface. A recessed configuration provides clearance forfastener 550 (see FIG. 5), and helps to prevent damage to any vaporbarrier or any other material which covers the work surface 40. Theengagement member 300 is preferably constructed of aluminum, but canalternatively be constructed of any other suitable material as mentionedabove.

The Engagement Head Adjustment Assembly

Referring once again to FIG. 6, the apparatus 10 also includes anadjustment assembly 450. As shown, the adjustment assembly 450 isconnected to or supported by the mounting assembly 30. The adjustmentassembly 450 is also advantageously connected to the engagement headmember 300 as further described below.

The adjustment assembly 450 includes an adjustment control or engagementpart 460. The adjustment control engagement part 460 can be the head ofan adjustment bolt as shown in FIG. 6. Turning the adjustment control460 will controllably adjust an extension distance 470 (shown best inFIGS. 3 and 4). The extension distance is between the mounting assembly30 and the engagement head member 300. This is used to position buildingmaterial 20 relative to the work surface 40 upon which the tool ismounted.

The adjustment assembly 450 preferably includes a post 480 having aproximal end 490 and a distal end 500. The post 480 includes an innercavity 530 which forms a longitudinal passageway therethrough. Post 480has an outer surface 510 and an inner surface 520 along inner cavity 530which extends between the proximal and distal ends 490 and 500 of post480.

Post Engagement Head Pivot Connection

The engagement head is preferably mounted to the adjustment mechanism soas to pivot or otherwise automatically adjust angularly. This can beaccomplished using a post aperture 540 located near the distal end 500of post 480. The post aperture 540 is used to attach the engagementmember 300 to the distal end 500 of the post 480. For example, once thepost aperture 540 has been aligned with the engagement member aperture340, a fastener 550, can be passed through the engagement memberaperture 340 and through the post aperture 540 to form an attachment.The attachment is preferably capable of pivoting, thereby allowing theengagement member 300 to move pivotally relative to the post 480 andmount assembly to allow the engagement heads to evenly contact thebuilding material being placed.

One advantage of pivotally coupling the engagement member 300 to thepost 480 is that it is not necessary that the post 480 be orientedperpendicularly to the edge of the building material 20 when theapparatus 10 is coupled to the work surface 40. For example, ifapparatus 10 is mounted at an angle, the engagement member 300 can pivotto thereby match the edge of the building material 20.

Wrench Holder

The fastener 550 which is advantageously used to pivotally couple theengagement member 300 to the post 480 can also be used to attach awrench rest 560 to the apparatus 10 near the distal end 500 of the post480 and at the engagement head. The wrench rest 560 is preferablyconstructed of plastic, but can alternatively be constructed of anyother suitable material.

The wrench holder shown uses the wrench rest 560 by receiving the restwithin the box or socket of the wrench 580.

The wrench holder shown herein also advantageously includes clip 270which holds the handle end of the wrench in the grooves 242 and 250 toprovide a secure holder for the wrench to prevent inadvertent loss ofthe wrench.

Attached Wrench

As mentioned above, the tool 10 also may preferably include anadjustment operator. The adjustment operator may advantageously beincluded in the form of a mounted, detachable wrench 580. The wrench 580is advantageously a closed or box type wrench with reversible ratchetmechanism. The following description shows a preferred wrench 580 whichis a preferred form of the apparatuses made according to this invention.

Wrench 580 is configured so that it can be releasably coupled to thewrench holder 560 when the wrench 580 is not in use. The wrench 580includes at least one end 590 configured to be releasably engaged withthe adjustment control 460. The wrench 580 can include a ratchetingmechanism 600 configured to facilitate turning the adjustment control460. The ratcheting mechanism 600 allows the user to turn the adjustmentcontrol 460 as needed without having to remove and reattach the wrench580. The clip 270 is configured to hold the other end 610 of wrench 580in place when wrench 580 is not in use and additionally allows tool 10to be hung from a belt, pants, tool belt or other personal garment tokeep the tool easily available.

Further Description of Adjustment Assembly

Once again focusing on the adjustment assembly 450, and as best shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, a threaded insert 630 is partially received within thecenter cavity 530 at the proximal end 490 of the post 480. The threadedinsert 630 includes a flange 640 which bears upon the postlongitudinally.

The adjustment assembly 450 also includes a threaded bolt 650. Thethreaded bolt 650 has a first end 660 which is threaded so that it canbe threadably received by the threaded insert 630 which is located atthe proximate end 490 of the post 480. The threaded shaft 650 isconnected to second end 670. The second end 670 of bolt 650 isconfigured to facilitate turning bolt 650. In the illustratedembodiment, the second end or head of the bolt 670 is the adjustmentcontrol 460.

As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, bolt 650 passes through several partsbefore it is threadably received by the threaded insert 630. The partsor other structures through which bolt 650 passes are now describedstarting with the first structure to receive bolt 650. An O-ring 680 canbe coupled to the second end 670 of the bolt 650 as shown. In operation,O-ring 680 prevents or helps to prevent wrench 580 from slipping fromthe second end 670 of bolt 650. A flanged nut 690 is then threaded ontobolt 650, so that the O-ring 680 is captured between nut 690 and thehead 460 of bolt 650. The flange on nut 690 acts as a stop against whichwrench 580 bears when fully installed on head 460.

Bolt 650 then passes through a spring 700 which biases the threadedoperator away from bearing collar 710 to eliminate slop or play in theadjustment assembly and applies friction so the rachet of the wrenchwill work without free spin of the bolt. After spring 700, bolt 650passes through a bearing piece or collar 710 having a passageway or hole711 therethrough. The bearing collar 710 is received within the firstand second slots 190 and 200 of the mounting member 30, so that it isheld in place by the first large and small plates 140 and 150, and bythe second large and small plates 160 and 170. The spring 700 istherefore positioned between the bearing collar 710 and the flanged nut690.

After the bearing piece 710, bolt 650 preferably passes through a spaceror washer 720. Spacer 720 is preferably made of a plastic to preventfriction as bolt 650 turns within the aperture 711 and against bearingpiece 710. After the spacer 720, bolt 650 is threadably received by alock-nut 730 which does not rotate with the bolt 650 when turned. Locknut 730 transfers axial load from the bolt 650 to the bearing piece 710as lubricated by thrust spacer 720.

FIG. 6 also shows a follower insert 630 which has a threaded interiorand is mounted within the receiver. the insert and attached post 480extend or retract in accordance with turning of bolt 650. Alternatively,the interior cavity of post 480 may instead be threaded or threaded andthen counterbored from the top end. The insert version preferably uses abrass insert with fluted exterior which is press or interference fitinto the lower end of the post cavity. This version has the advantage ofeliminating the threading and counterboring during production. Dependingon the specific needs of the user, either version can be alternativelyselected.

Further Aspects And Methods

In order for the reader to better appreciate apparatus 10, certainaspects of the structure are now further described. For example, asdescribed previously, the cover member 210 (of the mounting assembly 30)can be configured so that the cover member 210 will snap into place onthe mounting member 90. Once the cover member 210 has been coupled tothe mounting member 90, a mortise or channel 750 is formed (FIG. 5). Themortise 750 serves as an enclosed channel or receiving tunnel havingfirst and second ends 760 and 770 which are open, and which extend alongthe mounting assembly 30. In addition, it should be appreciated thatonce the cover member 210 has been attached to the mounting member 90,the cover member 210 helps to hold the collar 710 in place along withother parts of the adjustment mechanism.

Referring to FIG. 5, parts of the adjustment assembly 450 are positionedwithin and extend from the mortise 750. For example, the distal end 500of the post 480 extends outwardly from the first end 760 of the mortise750 where it is coupled to the engagement member 300. The proximal end490 of the post 480 is threaded or includes the threaded insert 630 andis positioned within the mortise 750.

Bolt 650 has first and second ends 660 and 670 as described above. Thefirst end 660 of bolt 650 is threadably received by the proximal end 490of post 480. The second end 670 of bolt 650 is positioned near thesecond end 770 of the mortise 750 and is configured to facilitateturning bolt 650. As shown, the second end 670 of bolt 650 preferablyextends from the second end 770 of mortise 750, so that the wrench 580can easily be coupled to the second end 670 of the bolt 650 to provideadjustment control 460.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, one can appreciate that turning theadjustment control 460 causes bolt 650 to be threaded further into orout of the threaded insert 630 which is attached to the proximal end 490of post 480. When bolt 650 is threaded into or out of the threadedinsert 630, post 480 will move relative to the mounting assembly 30.Therefore, turning adjustment control 460 controllably adjusts distance470 between mounting assembly 30 and engagement member 300, therebypositioning the building material 20 on the work surface 40. Turning theadjustment control 450 in a first direction 800 (shown by an arrow inFIG. 3) causes the distance 470 between the mounting assembly 30 and theengagement member 300 to increase, thereby raising or extending buildingmaterial 20 which is positioned on the engagement member 300. Similarly,turning the adjustment control 450 in a second direction 810 (shown byan arrow in FIG. 3) causes the distance 470 between the mountingassembly 30 and the engagement member 300 to decrease, thereby loweringany building material 20 which is positioned on the engagement member300.

Methods of the present invention are now described with particularemphasis to FIG. 1. The methods are described with reference topositioning a building material 20 (such as drywall panel 22). Themethod includes fastening the mounting assembly 30 to the work surface40, here the mounting assembly is fastened to a stud 50 of thesupporting framework. This can be accomplished by inserting at least twoscrews 130 into the stud or other structure. More screws can be used fora more secure attachment. It should be noted that it is not necessaryfor the mounting assembly 30 to be perfectly positioned, since theengagement member 300 is piviotolly coupled and will therefore pivot tomatch the edge of the drywall 22 or other building materials. In some ofthe preferred methods two or more of the tools are mounted at spacedpositions on the structure.

After the mounting assembly 30 has been fastened to stud 50, the methodincludes placing the drywall workpiece 22 on the engagement member 300so that the drywall workpiece 22 can be positioned for installation.When placed on the top plate 350 of the engagement member 300, thedrywall 22 will be resting on the outer surface 370 of the top plate350. The lip 380 of the front plate 310 helps to prevent the drywall 22from slipping from the engagement member 300 during positioning and/orinstallation.

After the drywall 22 is resting on the engagement member 300, the methodincludes turning the adjustment control 460 to position the drywall 22.Turning the adjustment control 460 causes the engagement member mountingassembly 300 to move relative to the mounting assembly 30.

In one implementation, the method includes turning the adjustmentcontrol 460 in a first direction 800 thereby increasing the distancebetween the mounting assembly 30 and the engagement member 300 to raisethe drywall 22 into position. While in another implementation, themethod includes turning the adjustment control 460 in a second direction810 thereby decreasing the distance between the mounting assembly 30 andthe engagement member 300 to lower the drywall 22 into position.

As shown in FIG. 1, two or more apparatus 10 can be used in conjunctionas a tool set to support and position the building material 20 as it ispositioned and installed. This can be particularly useful when workingalone or with building materials 20 which are large and/or heavy.Although the apparatus 10 weighs only about one pound, the apparatus iscapable of lifting and supporting more than three hundred pounds. Forexample, a single installer can use the apparatus 10 to position a largedrywall or concrete board panel 22 for installation. The apparatus 10can support the drywall 22 while the installer checks the fit of thedrywall 22 and scribes any needed apertures or corrections which are tobe made before final installation.

Operation Summary

The operation of the present invention is believed to be apparent fromthe above description and is further explained at this point. In oneembodiment the apparatus 10 includes a mounting assembly 30 which isconfigured to be detachably fastened to a work surface 40. The mountingassembly 30 is preferably configured to be fastened so the post moves inthe direction of travel of the engagement head. The adjustment assembly450 couples the mounting assembly 30 to the engagement member 300, andincludes an adjustment control 460. Turning the adjustment control 460controllably adjusts the distance 470 between the mounting assembly 30and the engagement member 300, thereby positioning the building material20 on the work surface 40.

In another aspect, turning the adjustment control 460 in a firstdirection 800 causes the distance 470 between the mounting assembly 30and the engagement member 300 to increase and the engagement headextends. Turning the adjustment control 460 in an opposite, seconddirection 810 causes the distance 470 between the mounting assembly 30and the engagement member 300 to be decreased and the engagement headretracts.

In another implementation, a clip 270 is included in the apparatus. Theclip 270 is configured to allow the apparatus 10 to be attached to andtransported on a user's belt 282 or at another suitable place on theuser. Clip 270 also advantageously may serve as a holder or part of aholder for an operator wrench which may be kept with the tool andprovide another novel combination of features according to theinvention.

In another aspect, the adjustment assembly 450 includes a post 480having proximal and distal ends 490 and 500. The distal end 500 of thepost 480 is pivotally coupled to the engagement member 300, therebyallowing the engagement member 300 to move pivotally relative to thepost 480 to automatically align the engagement head contacting faceagainst the workpiece.

In yet another implementation, apparatus 10 includes a wrench holder560. The wrench holder may be attached to the tool near both theengagement head and near the opposing end. Wrench 580 is configured tobe releasably coupled to the wrench rest 560 while the wrench 580 is notin use. In yet another implementation, the wrench 580 includes aratcheting mechanism 600 configured to facilitate turning the adjustmentcontrol 460 in either direction while maintained in position.

In another embodiment, an apparatus 10 for positioning drywall isdescribed. The apparatus 10 includes a mounting assembly 30 configuredto be releasably fastened to a stud 50. The mounting assembly defines inpart a mortise 750 having first and second ends 760 and 770 which areopen. Apparatus 10 also includes an engagement member 300 configured toengage the drywall 22, and an adjustment assembly 450 connecting themounting assembly 30 to the engagement member 300. The adjustmentassembly 450 may include a post 480 having proximal and distal ends 490and 500. The distal end 500 of the post 480 extends outwardly from thefirst end 760 of the mortise 750 where it is coupled to the engagementmember 300. The proximal end 490 of the post 480 is threaded and ispositioned within the mortise 750. The adjustment assembly 450 alsoincludes a bolt 650 having first and second ends 660 and 670. The firstend 660 of the bolt 650 is threadably received by the proximate end 490of the post 480, while the second end 670 of the bolt 650 is positionedat the second end 770 of the mortise 750 and is configured to facilitateturning the bolt 650. In operation the post 480 is configured to extendfrom the first end 760 of the mortise 750 when the bolt 650 is turned ina first direction 800, and is configured to retract into the first end760 of the mortise 750 when the bolt 650 is turned in a second direction810.

In another embodiment, a method for positioning a drywall panel 22 isdescribed. The method includes fastening a mounting assembly 30 to stud50 or other support, and then placing the drywall 22 on a pair ofengagement members 300. After placing the drywall 22 on the engagementmembers 300, the method includes turning the adjustment controls 460 toposition and orient the drywall 22. Turning the adjustment control 460causes the engagement member 300 move relative to the mounting assembly30.

The invention also includes various permutations and combinations of thefeatures and actions described herein.

1. An apparatus for positioning a building material, the apparatuscomprising: a mounting assembly configured to be detachably fastened toa structure forming a work surface upon which the building material isbeing secured; an adjustment assembly extending through the mountingassembly, the adjustment assembly having an adjustment control whichwhen operated extends or contracts an engagement head end of theadjustment assembly; an engagement head mounted upon said engagementhead end of the adjustment assembly which extends and contracts relativeto the mounting assembly, said engagement head being configured toangularly adjust when engaging the engagement head against an edge of abuilding material; whereby adjusting the adjustment control providespositioning of the building material relative to the work surface tothereby allow the building material to be positioned and secured uponthe structure forming said work surface.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the adjustment control turns in a first direction to extend andin a second direction to retract the engagement head.
 3. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein turning the adjustment control causes a post slidablymounted within the mounting assembly to extend or retract therefrom. 4.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the engagement head comprises: an outerface configured to push the building material away from the mountingassembly, and an inner face configured to pull the building materialtowards the mounting assembly.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 and furthercomprising an O-ring on the adjustment control periphery which helpsretain a wrench which engages the adjustment control for operation ofthe engagement head.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the mountingassembly has a contact configured to be placed in apposition to the worksurface, said contact having a plurality of apertures formedtherethrough for detachably fastening the mounting member to the worksurface.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 and further comprising a clipattached to the mounting assembly and configured to allow the apparatusto be clipped to a user.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein themounting assembly comprises: a contact configured to be placed inapposition to the work surface, said contact having a plurality ofapertures formed therethrough for detachably fastening the mountingassembly to the work surface; a receiver channel that receives theadjustment assembly therein; a cover member coupled to the mountingmember to cover the receiver channel and position the adjustmentassembly.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 and further comprising: a wrenchwhich engages the adjustment assembly; a wrench holder for holding thewrench upon said apparatus; wherein the wrench is configured to bestored on the apparatus while the wrench is not in use.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1 and further comprising: a wrench which engages theadjustment assembly; a wrench holder for holding the wrench upon saidapparatus; wherein the wrench is configured to be stored on theapparatus while the wrench is not in use.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10wherein the wrench includes a ratcheting mechanism configured tofacilitate turning the adjustment control.
 12. An apparatus for holdingand positioning drywall, comprising: a mounting assembly configured tobe releasably fastened to a framework upon which the drywall is beinghung; said mounting assembly defines at least in part a mortise havingfirst and second ends which are open; an adjustment assembly mounted insaid mortise to allow extension and retraction of an engagement end ofthe adjustment assembly using an adjustment operator; an engagement headpivotally connected to the engagement end of the adjustment assembly forengaging an edge of drywall; an adjustment operator head which extendsin opposition from said engagement head; a wrench for engaging saidadjustment operator head; a wrench holder formed on said apparatus forengaging and storing the wrench while not in use.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 12 wherein the mounting assembly includes mounting contacts havinga plurality of apertures therein for receiving fasteners therethrough.14. The apparatus of claim 12 and further comprising a clip attached tothe mounting assembly which may be clipped to a user.
 15. The apparatusof claim 12 and further comprising a clip attached to the mountingassembly which may be clipped to a user, and which also serves to formpart of said wrench holder.
 16. The apparatus of claim 12 and furthercomprising an O-ring on the adjustment operator head which helps preventthe wrench from slipping therefrom.
 17. A method for mounting a buildingpanel on a supporting framework, comprising: fastening a plurality ofmounting tools to a work surface of said supporting framework, saidmounting tools having connected engagement heads with operators thatcause the engagement heads to extend and retract; placing the buildingpanel on said plurality of mounting tools upon said engagement heads;adjusting the engagement heads to controllably position the buildingpanel relative to said framework; securing the building panel to thesupporting framework; detaching the mounting tools from the work surfaceof said supporting framework.
 18. The method of claim 17 and whereinsaid securing includes fastening the building panel to the supportingframework.
 19. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of adjusting theengagement heads is performed by torquing an engagement head adjustmentassembly using a wrench which is mountable on the mounting tools. 20.The method of claim 17 wherein the step of fastening a plurality ofmounting tools includes screwing the mounting tools to the framework.